Saturday, August 20, 2016

You Have One Master

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
(You Have One Master)“Then
said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees
sit on Moses' seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not
what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. They bind heavy burdens,
hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not
move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for
they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the
place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations
in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. But you are not to be
called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no
man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in Heaven. Neither be
called masters, for you have one master,
the Christ. He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts
himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
To truly have any sort of respect for anyone, they must practice what they
preach. True? I can’t be chomping down on a cheeseburger, while I’m teaching
you how vitally important it is for you to be a vegan for your health. It makes
no sense and it makes me a hypocrite. Well the Scribes and Pharisees were no
different, in not living up the very words they were preaching. And Jesus
clearing points that out in today’s gospel. I really think it’s brilliant how
Jesus calls them out before everyone; I’ll bet most everyone knew it to, but
they were too afraid to say anything. Not Jesus!

If there’s one really insightful thing I have read in all this research it’s
this. I will paraphrase it. The best
teachers teach and serve their students with humility and sincerity and by
example; rather than have pride and selfishness lead their words and ways. The
students are always wise enough to see right through all that phoniness and
hypocrisy. There is a lot of wisdom in that. The greatest teachers in the
world truly walk the walk. They are usually the masters of their craft. They
don’t necessarily need to be worldwide scholars or be known by everyone, but it’s
obvious when a real professor who really knows the material inside and out is
at the chalkboard. He or she has a way of leaving the classroom in awe of their
way of presenting the topic. The students are drawn in and absorb the material with
a hunger to learn, by the way it was so masterfully presented.

Yes, that last paragraph was more “school”
focused than “Spirit-Filled” focused;
but it’s true, we learn many things the same way. But I know our faith is a
relationship; one that requires humility and genuine love and sacrifice. When
we are humble we are so much more teachable in our ways and in our words. If we
are true servants and students of the Lord; then we seek to put the good of
others first. With Jesus leading by example we follow Him in humility. Let us
open our hearts to Jesus and allow Him to show us, how we should live our lives
humbly with His love working through us. Embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior always my sisters and brothers. See you tomorrow.